EPA Lowers Value of Human Life

So….how much are you worth? Between 2003 and 2008, the EPA has lowered the value of one human life by $900,000–making looser environmental regulations a lot less expensive. Of course, devaluation of the dollar makes the comparison between 2003 and 2008 even more dramatic.

In 2003, the value was put at $7.8 million; in 2008, it is $6.9 million. Clearly, the dollar buys less now than it did in 2003. Depending on how you want to measure that fall, you will get the percentage of your choice. However you slice it, the value of one human life decreased by far more than $900,000. That fact, however, has not deterred the Bush economists.

According to MSN,

economists calculate the value based on what people are willing to pay to avoid certain risks, and on how much extra employers pay their workers to take on additional risks. Most of the data is drawn from payroll statistics; some comes from opinion surveys. According to the EPA, people shouldn’t think of the number as a price tag on a life.

Of course sweatshop employers want their employees to take enormous risks. And those employees, driven by hunger and need, are willing to risk their lives for small gain. I guess the EPA sees us moving down the scale towards sweatshop philosophy.

And, as far as we lucky ones who do not have to take those risks, we really should applaud looser environmental regulations, i.e., dirtier air, dirtier water. Hey, I am willing to risk a little more mercury to make the economy run. Aren’t you?

Of course, the Bush administration has spent how much on defending the rights of the unborn? Ah, but more people just makes human life cheaper, doesn’t it? Make sure no sperm is lost. And when the slippery kid slides forth, voila: EPA birth control.